Karen Swenson honored with emerita status
Karen Swenson, associate professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emerita title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1988, Swenson’s scholarship focused on Old Norse, medieval, and Renaissance literature and mythology. She wrote two books and many essays and presentations based on her academic work.
In the classroom, Swenson taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across the literature curriculum. She was an early adopter and innovator of online teaching.
Swenson provided many years of distinguished service to her department, college, and university through dedicated service on numerous committees, including the personnel, admissions, and graduate committees.
Swenson received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Portland State University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
